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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – February 5, 2020 6 Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented the City’s Shoreline Ordinance was not approved until 2010. Chair Gehrig questioned if staff had visited the site and if so, were there any concerns about any extended deck interfering with sight lines. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported staff has visited the site numerous times. He explained views and sight lines were not to be take into consideration for variance requests but rather the zoning level only. Commissioner Lambeth asked what the width of this property was. Associate Planner Hartmann reported the lot was 45 feet at its narrowest point. He stated the lot was a legally non-conforming property. Commissioner Lambeth reviewed the comments the City had received from the neighbors noting there was concerns regarding views and sight lines. He stated five and half feet was not a great deal of space and he wondered how this small of a variance would inconvenience the neighbors. He anticipated the neighbor’s six foot solid fence blocked more views than the proposed deck would. He explained he supported the proposed deck and found it to be reasonable. Commissioner Subramanian questioned if the owners would consider redesigning the deck to maintain a length that did not require a variance. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla deferred this question to the applicant. Kurt Curtin, Curtin & Sons Construction, stated he was representing the applicant. He reported the deck would not be functional if it were angled. He noted this was an awkward lot that was developed prior to all of the current City Code. He explained the proposed deck would have clear glass railings so as not to obstruct any views. Commissioner Lambeth asked how long the applicant has lived in the home. Justin Brown, 3159 Shoreline Lane, stated he has lived in the home since 2013. He explained the home was owned between six of his family members. He reported the deck was being proposed to provide more space for the family when recreating at the lake home. Commissioner Lambeth questioned if Mr. Brown was aware of the existing restrictions and setbacks when he purchased the home. Mr. Brown explained he looked at replacing the deck last year after the existing trusses began to give out. He stated the new deck would be made out of composite materials. Commissioner Lambeth inquired if Mr. Brown had spoken to the neighbors who objected to the new deck.